Summary
In recent years, modern slavery and forced labour have become topics of intense focus in both the UK and abroad. Regulatory changes are on the horizon, with significant developments including a new inquiry by the Joint Committee on Human Rights and updated statutory guidance for businesses as they approach the 10th anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act (MSA). The landscape for compliance is shifting, especially with new EU regulations set to take effect in 2027 that will ban products made with forced labour. This article delves into the current UK legal situation, key recent cases, and expected future changes.
The MSA 2015 requires certain organisations to publish annual statements regarding their actions to combat modern slavery. Yet, compliance has been inconsistent, with enforcement historically lacking. There is growing pressure from various stakeholders for more robust transparency and accountability around supply chain management, which the updated guidance aims to address. Furthermore, with the impending EU regulations and heightened stakeholder actions, UK companies could face significant legal exposure if they fail to act now.
Key Points
- The Modern Slavery Act 2015 mandates larger organisations to publish annual statements about their efforts to combat slavery.
- Recent government guidance aims to clarify transparency requirements and best practices for these statements.
- Litigation against UK companies regarding their international supply chains is on the rise, as seen in the recent case involving Dyson.
- The EU’s forthcoming Forced Labour Regulation, effective from December 2027, will prohibit the import and export of products made with forced labour, impacting all businesses operating in the EU.
- Stakeholders and campaign groups are increasingly active, pushing for corporate accountability and action against forced labour practices.
Why should I read this?
If you’ve got a stake in any business that deals with supply chains, you can’t afford to overlook this issue. Regulatory changes and rising stakeholder scrutiny mean it’s time to get serious about modern slavery policies. This article breaks it all down for you, so you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure your organisation is compliant and on the right side of both the law and public opinion.